News

Click for larger image Two California Dept. of Fish and Game aircraft were destroyed early Saturday when they were rammed by a runaway pickup. The aircraft (which we can’t identify from the picture) were in a hangar at Hemet-Ryan Field in Southern California when the pickup came through the back wall and stacked them up […]

For the second time in two weeks, Norwood Airport in Massachusetts has been closed by flooding and dozens of aircraft were stranded for the weekend. A storm that dumped six inches of rain on the region caused the Neponset River to flood and the airport was closed last Tuesday. By Thursday, water was up to […]

In ceremonies this week at the company’s Corona, Calif., headquarters, Aircraft Spruce & Specialty was recognized by the city for its recent green initiatives. Although the company has worked to streamline its processes and reduce waste, two recent programs are noteworthy. First is that Spruce began using cornstarch-based “packing peanuts” that are completely biodegradable. Second […]

Although we’re sure it’s just the beginning, so far a cursory search of the Internet has turned up relatively few aviation apps for the new iPad. Apple’s tablet went on sale Saturday and ForeFlight had its Mobile 3 HD setup ready to go for the launch. Since the app is compatible with iPhone, anyone already […]

An Oregon federal judge has made bedfellows of strangers in a ruling aimed at forcing a partnership between a huge Chinese aviation company and a group of homebuilders, both of whom were trying to buy the assets of Epic Aircraft. Judge Randall Dunn accepted the $4.3 million cash bid for Epic from Aviation Industry Corp. […]

The prohibited area (P-49) surrounding former President George W. Bush’s ranch in Crawford, Texas, will shrink, effective June 3. On that day, the three nautical mile radius will reduce to two nautical miles and the ceiling will drop from 5,000 feet to 2,000. “We’re doing this per a request from the Secret Service,” FAA spokesman […]

The Solar Impulse HB-SIA prototype, a uniquely solar-powered aircraft, has entered a new test phase, which should see the aircraft taking its first night flights this summer. The carbon fiber aircraft has been built with the intent to ultimately fly around the world, day and night, without fuel other than energy acquired from the sun. […]

The FAA announced Friday that it will, on a case-by-case basis, consider the special issuance of a medical certificate to pilots using medication for depression and will offer forgiveness for some previously undisclosed conditions. The change will take effect April 5, and applies to pilots using Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, or Lexapro. Special issuance medical certification […]

There was little ill effect when a Qantas A380 with 244 aboard blew two tires on landing at Sydney, Wednesday night — except for that felt by passengers watching live on the aircraft’s entertainment system. The aircraft is equipped with a tail-mounted camera and a live video feed of the landing was displayed on screens […]

Cirrus has sought “voluntary dismissal” of a lawsuit it filed in March against L-3 Communications for allegedly spreading rumors about Cirrus’ financial stability, but has reserved the right to refile. L-3 had not yet filed a response to the suit. The suit had sought unspecified damages from L-3 and alleged the company was telling suppliers […]